The NAB said that 58 international delegations — a record number — are scheduled to attend NAB2004 in Las Vegas.

Many of the foreign delegations attend the NAB convention through NAB’s continuing partnership with the Department of Commerce (DOC), known as the International Buyer Program. NAB is one of the few U.S. trade shows that the DOC chooses to work with year after year.

At NAB2003, nearly 19,000 attendees representing over 134 countries came from foreign countries, and at least that many international attendees are expected at NAB2004.

At NAB2003, nearly 19,000 attendees representing over 134 countries came from foreign countries, and at least that many international attendees are expected at NAB2004. International delegations are organized by embassies or companies to manage the logistics for obtaining visas, hotel rooms, travel and registration. In addition, some delegations will arrange translations of select sessions for their attendees.

In addition to the international attendees, the exhibit floor for NAB2004 will house over 300 international exhibitors. Companies will showcase technology and services for the electronic media industry in each area of the exhibit floor: TV/Video/Film, MultiMedia/Internet, Mobile Media, Radio/Audio, Satellite & Broadcast Technologies, and RTNDA. Fifty of these companies will be featured in four international pavilions: Korean Pavilion, UK/US Partners Pavilion, Electronic Exporters Group (UK) and the Bavarian Pavilion.

“The NAB show is not only the largest event in the world for electronic media, but it is also the one and only truly global event serving these industry sectors. We draw participation from all regions of the world,” said Chris Brown, NAB senior vice president for conventions and expositions. “Most shows in North America draw between 5 percent and 10 percent of their participation from overseas, while for us the figure is more than 20 percent.”